Jami Stone, the construction project manager at Burns & McDonnell, emphasizes the significance of these projects. They serve as a clear indication of Alliant Energy's unwavering commitment to sustainability along with our unwavering dedication to safety and resilience. We hold a deep sense of gratitude towards Alliant Energy and the highly skilled labourers, carpenters, and electricians. Their unwavering dedication, exceptional skills, and extensive experience have been instrumental in making these projects a resounding success.

Minimizing Environmental Impact

Burns & McDonnell has taken a series of significant steps to minimize the environmental damage caused by these projects. At the Wever project, a "500-year" flood preparedness system has been installed, ensuring enhanced preparedness against potential flood events. Additionally, at the Creston facility, native grasses and pollinator-friendly plants have been planted to enrich the soil, contributing to the overall ecological balance.

Challenges of Uneven Terrain

The Creston project is built on uneven terrain, a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years. Last week, Burns & McDonnell's Dalton Ruddell, along with Nextracker's Nick Price, wrote an article for PV Tech. In it, they described the global solar sector as reaching a "tipping point" with regard to terrain-following trackers. This highlights the importance of addressing the unique challenges posed by such terrains in the solar industry.

Growth of Iowa's Utility-Scale Sector

Although Iowa is one of the smaller US states in terms of operational solar capacity, with only 704MW in operation as of the third quarter of this year, its utility-scale sector has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. Since 2021, the state has added 300MW of utility-scale capacity, as per the US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The trade body expects a further 1.6GW of capacity to be added over the next five years, indicating the promising future of Iowa's solar industry.